Automatic Filter Bag Machine Reel Change System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic machines for forming filter bags face high operational costs, physical effort, and risks due to manual reel changing, while automated systems increase production line space and costs without improving productivity.

Innovation Solution

An integrated automatic machine with a first storage unit and a robotic arm for reel replacement, allowing automated and efficient reel changing directly on the machine, reducing the need for external intervention and maintaining compact dimensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual reel changing is used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but labor costs increase and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction speedVSAvoidmanual intervention requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The machine performs reel changing automatically without human intervention. The robotic arm picks up replacement reels from storage units and installs them on the machine's shafts autonomously when the filter paper reel is exhausted, enabling the system to service itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical operation of reel changing is replaced with an automated robotic system. A robotic arm with gripper mechanisms substitutes for human operators, using motor-driven axes and controlled gripping forces to handle and install replacement reels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automated reel changing with external storage units is implemented, then productivity increases, but the volume occupied around the production lines increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereel changing speedVSAvoidspace around production lines

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The reel storage units are merged with the machine structure itself rather than being separate external units. The storage units are positioned directly adjacent to the shafts on the machine frame, integrating the storage and processing functions into a compact configuration that minimizes overall space occupation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage units are positioned in the vertical dimension above the machine base, utilizing upward space rather than expanding the horizontal footprint. This vertical arrangement allows replacement reels to be stored above the processing area and delivered downward by the robotic arm, maintaining compact machine dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple reels are stored in external units, then reel replacement capability is improved, but the complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereel replacement capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reel storage system is segmented into multiple independent storage units, each dedicated to holding specific types of replacement reels (filter paper, labels, wrapping material). Each storage unit is positioned adjacent to its corresponding shaft, allowing specialized storage without requiring a single complex centralized system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic arm serves multiple functions: it picks up replacement reels from different storage units, transports them to the appropriate shafts, and installs various types of reels (filter paper, labels, wrapping material). This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each reel type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4377246B1Automatic machine for forming filter bags containing infusion products

Publication Date: 2025.06.25 IMA IND MASCH AUTOMATICHE SPA

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AI summary

Described is an automatic machine comprising a load-bearing frame (1) having a base (2), at least one vertical side wall (3), a horizontal wall (4) facing the base (2), a vertical front wall (5), defining a machine front, from which a motor-driven supporting shaft (6) protrudes which supports a respective reel (7) of wound material; a plurality of operating stations (8) positioned on the front wall (5) through which a processing path extends along which said material proceeds whilst it is unwound from the reel (7); a first storage unit (9) configured to house replacement reels (7a) and positioned directly associated with the load-bearing frame (1) of the machine and located close to the shaft (6) supporting the reel (7); a device (10) for picking up and releasing replacement reels configured for picking up one of the replacement reels (7a) from the first storage unit (9) and positioning it on the supporting shaft (6), this pick-up and release device (10) is positioned directly associated with the load-bearing frame (1) and located close to the first storage unit (9); a control unit (11) configured to activate the reel pickup and release device (10) in response to a run out signal of the reel (7) present on the supporting shaft (6).